BMW BLOG

The recently launched BMW X1 opens a new series of automobile comparisons. Positioned as an entry level in the SUV/SAV market, the new X1 will take on competitors like the Volkswagen Tiguan or the upcoming Audi Q3. In an unusual comparisons posted yesterday, german magazine Autobild places the X1 against the Audi A3 Sportback, the old timer BMW X3 and the true contender, VW Tiguan.

The X1 model tested was the 177 horsepower xDrive20d. Both the Audi and VW were powered by the same 170 horsepower diesel engine while the X3 also uses the 177 horsepower diesel from the X1.

There were five categories that Autobild focused on: chassis, powertrain, comfort, driving dynamics and pricing.

Read the rest of this entry »

Just a few days ago, we’ve update our BMW X1 photo gallery with the new color introduced in the X1 line-up: Marrakesh Brown.

But since we all love photos, especially BMW ones, we decided to upload some more shots of the BMW X1, this time, in the classy Alpine White.

The BMW X1 will launch in the next two weeks, but the U.S. market will get their first X1 vehicles in 2011. Pricing in the U.S. is expected to be set between the 1 Series and the new X3.

Read the rest of this entry »

One of the most popular subjects on our blog in the past few months were related to the new BMW X1, the entry level SAV that launches later this month. The BMW X1 offers a new perspective as a compact premium Sport Activity Vehicle. The X1 will advertise itself, as well as the entire 1 Series models, to the more youth orientated BMW fans.

Despite some initial criticism, the BMW X1 is starting to become widely accepted by BMW fans and journalists across the world. The X1 fits into BMW’s strategy to build fuel efficient, but still dynamic cars and it will take on the American market starting in 2011.

In the past, we have been publishing lots of photos, videos and several reviews from prestigious car magazines, but today we’re coming back with an extensive photo gallery of the new color available to order with the X1: Marrakesh Brown.

Read the rest of this entry »

We’re a bit far from the BMW Leipzig plant in Germany, but that doesn’t stop us from offering you live news directly from the source.

Our editor Benny over at BimmerToday.de, takes a trip at the factory where BMW will built their latest Sports Activity Vehicle. Built on the 3 Series platform, BMW X1 is the new entry-level SAV that plans to conquer a new market for BMW.

Exhibition vehicles were sporting the same colors as the ones seen at Frankfurt Auto Show, the now classy Alpine White and the new Marrakesh Brown color. In display, there was also the gorgeous Deep Sea Blue paint that made its debut with the new Z4 Roadster.

Read the rest of this entry »

Another day and more reviews of the new BMW X1. If so far most of the reviews have been positive, the people at Car Enthusiast had some mixed feelings about the car. One of the less attractive elements about the car is related to the X1 interior, most specifically, the quality of the materials used. Having seen the car at the Frankfurt Auto Show, we have to admit that we were a bit disappointed, maybe because we got so excited about the 5 GT and 7 Series interior, so we forgot that the X1 appeals to a different demographic and fits into a whole nother category.

The car was built as an entry level SAV and it shares some design elements with the 1 Series, another model considered to be an entry level for BMW, therefore, in a way, it is expected to have a less attractive interior when compared to the higher-end and more expensive BMWs.

But does it really disappoint? Truth is the BMW X1 was designed to be a fun car to drive, an urban car that can be used for weekend activities that might require extra cargo space. Interior luxury was probably not the top priority for BMW and that’s okay with us, as long as the car rides as a BMW and reminds us of that thrill that made us fall in love with the brand.

But let’s take a look at their review:

Read the rest of this entry »

Building anticipation prior to the BMW X1 official launch on October 24th at the Leipzig plant, BMW releases a series of videos of their new Sports Activity Vehicle, X1. First photos of the X1 going through the assembly line at the Leipzig plant were posted last week, but today, we have the opportunity to see unique footage.

At the same time, several other videos have been released giving us a closer look at the new X1 interior and exterior design, and one of the engine options in the X1. One video also “touches” the Joy campaign where a young fella takes the X1 to a river for some whitewater rafter activities.

On another note, watching several conversations on the web and reading some reviews, we’re seeing around of positive vibe around the X1, mostly from people that have seen the car in person. Same as the 5 GT, the BMW X1 seems to appeal more in person and the car received lots of attention at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

If the X1 will come to a car show or event near you, take the time to see it in person.

Read the rest of this entry »

BMW X1 reviews continue to pop up in our RSS reader. This time, our friends over at Edmunds.com, spent some time behind the wheels of a new BMW X1 at the Leipzig plant in Germany. All the X1 reviews we have seen recently are targeting the European automobile market and consumers; and the official launch date was set for October 24th.

Those of us living in the U.S. will have to wait a little longer than a year before we would see the entry level SAV. So far reviews have been on the positive side, with the main focus being placed on efficiency and performance. There are still voices that disagree with the interior design quality, but that’s another story we’ll get into in the near future.

Hidden deep into their review, there is a small piece of information that will make some of the BMW fans happy: “But then the BMW people reassured us that this four-cylinder diesel will be coming over to North America in the X1 and other BMWs by 2012.” In a way, expected, but still nice to receive reassurance that the BMW diesel engines offering will increase in the United States.

Read the rest of this entry »

With exactly a month before the official launch, The British fellows at Car Magazine were invited to a BMW X1 testing session in Germany. The entry level Sports Activity Vehicle, that being the X1, plays a central role in BMW’s emotional campaign, “Joy”, a marketing move that started earlier in the year with the new BMW Z4.

Even though we’ve been craving for an X1 since the moment we saw the first official photos and actually even more after the Frankfurt Auto Show, we will have to wait until 2011 when the first X1 models will arrive on U.S. soil.

But in the mean time, let’s take a look at the X1 xDrive20d, a vehicle also tested by Hannes Oosthuizen, Deputy Editor of Car Magazine, who told us during a Twitter conversation that for an SUV, the X1 has very good dynamics, firm, but not uncomfortable ride and with a great interior design.

So, let’s see what the other Car Magazine editors are saying:

Read the rest of this entry »

BMW is stepping up their marketing efforts prior to the official launch of their latest Sports Activity Vehicle, BMW X1. Prior to the launch taking place on October 24, UK residents have the opportunity to win a weekend with a new BMW X1.

With power and efficiency, versatility and functionality, 4×4 or rear wheel drive, the BMW X1 is perfectly engineered to satisfy every whim. Skiing, surfing, hiking, golfing – it’s all possible in the sporting yet compact BMW X1. Nothing can’t be more fun than having the car for yourself and experience the “Joy”.

The new BMW X1 will be available at the following locations in UK:

Read the rest of this entry »

The fellows at IAAblog are bringing us the first photos of the BMW X1 production line at the Leipzig plant. The X1 entered production on September 1st and it’s the only BMW plant that will manufacture the entry level SAV.

At the moment, 75 BMW X1 were produced in Leipzig on a daily base, but production will increase to 300 X1 daily by the end of this year. An X1 needs 40 hours from the first welding to the finished product.

The official launch takes place on October 24 and according to BMW, pre-order numbers have been more than satisfactory.

BMW X1 in production form will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Read the rest of this entry »